Prepare for Your Pets
Your animals depend on you to have a plan before an emergency begins.
Wildfires and flooding can escalate quickly. Whether you care for household pets, horses, or livestock, preparing now helps protect both animals and people when evacuation orders are issued.
Evacuating with animals
If you need to leave, bring your pets with you.
Do not leave animals behind assuming they will survive or that you will return quickly. Fires and floods can change conditions within minutes.
Many people hesitate to evacuate because they are worried about their animals. Without a plan, evacuations become more dangerous for both people and pets. Prepare now so you are ready to move everyone safely when an order is issued.
Household pets
Prepare Before an Emergency
Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters
Most public emergency shelters do not accept pets other than service animals. Know where your pet can go before you need to leave.
View shelter informationResearch Pet-Friendly Lodging
Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and motels along your evacuation route and at your destination.
Choose an Evacuation Buddy
Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to transport your pet if you are not home when an evacuation order is issued.
Microchip and Tag Your Pets
Current microchips and ID tags with your phone number give you the best chance of being reunited if separated.
Keep Vaccination Records Current
Shelters and boarding facilities may require proof of vaccinations. Keep copies in your go bag.
Pet go bag
Pack Supplies for at Least 72 Hours
Food & Water
- Food — 3-day supply in a waterproof container
- Water for 72 hours
- Food and water bowls
Medical & Records
- Medications and dosing instructions
- Vaccination and medical records
- Recent photo of your pet
Safety & Transport
- Leash, collar, and harness
- Carrier or crate
- Familiar toy or blanket
Cleanup Supplies
- Waste bags
- Litter and scoop
During an Evacuation
Bring your pets with you. What begins as a precautionary evacuation can become a full emergency within hours.
If you cannot find your pet when it is time to leave, do not delay your own evacuation. Notify Village of Ruidoso Animal Control at 575-258-7365 and local rescue organizations.
Horses & livestock
Large Animals Require Advance Planning
Livestock evacuation takes more time, space, equipment, and coordination than household pet evacuation. Your plan should be in place before fire or flood season begins.
Secure an Evacuation Destination
Identify a boarding facility, fairground, or private property with enough space to accept your animals.
Keep Trailers Ready
Keep trailers accessible and functional. Know weight limits and how many animals you can move per trip.
Build a Livestock Network
Coordinate with neighbors, local haulers, agricultural contacts, and extension resources before an emergency.
Mark Your Animals
Use livestock paint, fly spray marking, or neck tags with your name and phone number.
Keep Equipment Accessible
Store halters, leads, and loading equipment where they can be reached quickly.
Last resort
If Livestock Evacuation Is Not Possible
Open Gates
Allowing animals to move freely may give them a chance to escape danger. This is a last resort and can create road hazards.
Mark Animals
Apply your phone number to animals using livestock marker before releasing them.
Notify Authorities
Call Village of Ruidoso Animal Control at 575-258-7365 with the location and type of animals left behind.